DREAM BIG, SPEND LESS: TOP TIPS FOR AN AFFORDABLE WEDDING IN BRISBANE
In Australia, the rising cost of living has added a layer of complexity to wedding planning, especially for couples aiming to tie the knot in 2025 or 2026. With everything from groceries to housing expenses soaring, budgeting for a wedding has become more challenging. Yet, many couples are determined to celebrate their love in style without breaking the bank.
At Factory51, we understand the financial strains couples face and have tailored our services to support an affordable wedding experience. Nestled in the inner-east suburb of Coorparoo, Factory51 offers an elegant, rustic, and industrial chic venue without the crazy price tag, making it a top choice for those seeking beauty and affordability.
Finding ways to save while still achieving a memorable celebration is more important than ever, especially for those aiming to wed in 2025 or 2026. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to host a stunning, affordable wedding in Brisbane without compromising on quality or style. Here are our top ten tips to make your Brisbane wedding both affordable and unforgettable.
1. Choose an Off-Peak Day
Opt for a wedding day outside of the traditional Saturday to save on venue costs and possibly secure better rates with other suppliers. Factory51’s ‘Love Can Be Affordable’ specials make this an ideal choice.
Couples can save big with our special prices across the week, including midweek and bookend weekend weddings:
– Tuesday & Wednesday weddings: Take 50% off the ceremony package and $20 per person off your choice of reception package.
– Thursday weddings: Take 20% off the ceremony package and $15 per person off your choice of reception package.
– Friday & Sunday weddings: Take 10% off the ceremony package and $10 per person off your choice of reception package.
2. Limit the Guest List
While it may be tempting to invite everyone, trimming your guest list is one of the quickest ways to reduce costs. Don’t feel obliged to invite your boss or co-worker, neighbour, or distant relatives. Keep plus ones limited to those whom you have met or have been on the scene for more than 6 months. Consider celebrating with only close family and friends to make the day more intimate and budget-friendly.
3. Opt for Seasonal Flowers and Minimal Designs
Using seasonal flowers in your arrangements can significantly lower costs, as they are readily available and don’t require special sourcing. Pairing this with a minimal design can further stretch your budget. Avoid elaborate, time-intensive floral installations that can drive up expenses; instead, select one standout feature, like a statement arch or a lush ceremony backdrop, that can be easily repurposed at the reception. A minimalist approach—think simple arrangements, greenery, and single-variety bouquets—can create an elegant aesthetic that feels intentional without overwhelming the space or your budget.
4. Select a Cost-Effective Menu Package
Choosing the right menu package can be a great way to manage your wedding budget without sacrificing a memorable dining experience. Factory51 offers two affordable options that allow couples to enjoy gourmet food with significant savings. The Chandelier Canape Package includes seven delicious canapés, a fork dish, woodfired sourdough focaccia, and wedding cake service, along with an initial bar tab — perfect for a cocktail-style reception that encourages mingling.
Alternatively, the Chandelier Shared Feast Menu offers a more interactive dining experience with a first course, followed by three main dishes and four sides all served family-style for a warm, communal feel. This package also includes your wedding cake cut and plattered, along with an initial bar tab. Both options allow you to indulge your guests without overextending your budget, making Factory51 an ideal venue for an affordable wedding in Brisbane.
5. Use Digital Invitations
Paper invitations are a timeless classic but can quickly make the costs add up. Embrace the digital trend with online invitations and RSVP tracking. Not only are e-invites eco-friendly, but they’re also easy to customise yourself making this DIY option very manageable.
Read more about what to include on your invite here: Wedding Invitation Wording
6. Be Clever with Table Styling
A wedding venue filled with character gives you a massive head start on styling. At Factory51, you don’t need much by way of decorations, as our reception room already features exposed brick walls and giant crystal chandelier. We offer affordable silver dollar eucalyptus or olive leaf branch to style along your handcrafted timber tables. Alternatively, you may like to pick up some candles or arrange sweet bud vases to complement the space.
7. Skip Favours and Unnecessary Traditions
When planning an affordable wedding, remember that not every tradition is essential to creating a beautiful, memorable day. Wedding favours, for instance, often go unnoticed or left behind, adding unnecessary costs to your budget. Consider skipping them altogether or opting for something meaningful like a handwritten thank-you note on each place setting. Additionally, rethink traditions that may not hold personal significance for you (e.g. do you really want an elaborately decorated 3-tier cake?) Streamlining your wedding to include only the elements that resonate with you and your partner not only personalises your celebration but also helps you allocate funds to what truly matters to you.
8. Curate a Playlist… but make it Good!
We argue that a classic hit can get guests on the dance floor, without needing to invest thousands into a live band or DJ. While these vendors certainly do an amazing job in livening up the atmosphere and keep the d-floor pumping, they aren’t the only way to keep guests entertained. Curate a playlist carefully, with a solid mix of party hits, classics, and your favourite songs. Think about the order of songs, ensuring they flow from sweet first dances through to fist-pumpers.
9. Repurpose Ceremony Décor
Utilise your ceremony decorations in the reception space to maximise their value. With Factory51’s all-in-on ceremony and reception venue, it’s easy to move floral arrangements or signage from one set up to another, making your décor budget go further.
10. Beverages on a Budget
Factory51 offers various bar packages, but consider a bar tab with a set budget if you want more control over drink costs. You can also limit the drinks to a selection of wine, beer, and soft drinks, with guests able to purchase spirits if they choose. If you have big drinkers and are concerned about a bar tab running out early, our affordable beverage packages are the way to go!
Love Can Be Affordable
At Factory51, we’re dedicated to helping you create an affordable wedding without sacrificing elegance or enjoyment. From our special weekday pricing to our flexible catering options, we’re here to make your dream day as affordable as it is unforgettable. Contact us today to book a viewing and see for yourself!
Images by Tayla Jayne Photography